The Mysterious Island. B2 / Таинственный остров

Smith found himself in the tumultuous sea, more than half a mile from shore. He was swimming; but a strong current seized him. It carried him to the north, and soon he sank into the abyss. From that moment he remembered nothing.

– It’s strange, – said the reporter. – Did anyone rescue you from the waves?

– I don’t know.

The rain stopped. At half past 5 the little party reached the Chimneys.

Glossary:

lad – юноша

companion – товарищ

stretcher – носилки

seize – схватить, сжать

ChapterВ IX

The engineer was sleeping.

They carried Cyrus Smith into the main corridor and made a couch of seaweeds for him.

The next day, the 28

of March, when the engineer awoke, about 8 o’clock, he saw his companions beside him. His first words were,

– Island or continent?

– Mr. Smith, – answered Pencroff, – we don’t know. But we will, when you guide us in this country.

– I think that I am able to do that now, – answered the engineer.

– When you were carrying me here yesterday, did not I see a mountain in the west?

– Yes, – said Spilett, – a high mountain.

– All right, – exclaimed the engineer. – Tomorrow we will climb to its summit and determine whether this is an island or a continent.

– But, – asked Spilett, – where are we, Cyrus?

– I cannot say, – replied the engineer, – we are somewhere in the Pacific. We will know how to act when we ascend the mountain.

– But will you be able, Mr. Smith, to make the climb tomorrow? – asked Herbert.

– I hope so, – answered the engineer.

Glossary:

companion – товарищ

summit – вершина

the Pacific – Тихий океан

Chapter X

Soon Smith recovered his strength. They had a pleasant supper. The engineer said little; he was planning for the next day. After supper, the party lay down to sleep.

In the morning they were fresh and ready for the expedition.

Everything was ready. At half past 7 they left the Chimneys, each had a stout cudgel. Pencroff recommended to take the route of the previous day, which was the shortest way to the mountain. They turned the southern angle, and followed the left bank of the river. They took the path under the evergreens, and soon reached the northern border of the forest. The soil was flat and swampy, then dry and sandy.